MIC CWC member S Vell Paari takes the former premier to task for his unpalatable comments regarding the moral values of Americans.
PETALING JAYA: As a Muslim, Dr Mahathir Mohamad has the right to be upset with US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton for defending the movie “Innocence of Muslims” on the grounds of freedom of expression.
However, MIC media and publicity chief S Vell Paari said the former premier should not insult the moral values of Americans when Malaysia itself was drowning in social ills.
“As a leader who is touted to be wise, how can he make such a generalisation and insult the people of another country just because of differing opinions.
“Such comments are unbefitting of a statesman,” he told FMT.
Vell Paari was commenting on Mahathir’s latest blog posting, where the latter, among others, said that Americans would not be slighted if labelled as “bastards”.
The reason for this, he had argued, was because “their mothers and fathers sleep around with just anybody.”
Whereas Asians and Muslims, he had added, would kill those who uttered such things about their mothers.
What about Interlok?
However, Vell Paari urged Mahathir to reflect on the contents of the infamous Interlok novel which the government deemed fit for students’ consumption despite the litany of racial insults.
He recalled how the author had even suggested that the Chinese would sell their daughters for economic gratification.
“Isn’t this insulting to parents as well? So if we go by Mahathir’s reasoning, do we kill the national laureate who penned the book?” he asked.
Vell Paari also reminded Mahathir that Malaysia was not exactly a shining example of virtues.
“We have a high number of children born out of wedlock, incest and whatnot.
“The only difference is that in America, sexual issues are discussed in the open but here we do it behind closed doors… and that does not make us saints,” he added.
Vell Paari said Mahathir should confine his criticism to the issue in contention which was the US backing for the controversial movie and not launch unpalatable salvoes.
“It is comments like these which give the impression that BN is still trapped in the dark ages. It is this sort of double standard which makes life difficult for BN,” he added.
The MIC leader said while Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak was doing his best to win the hearts and minds of the people, it was unfortunate that the premier’s work was being undermined by those within the ruling coalition itself.
“We have a PM who during MIC’s AGM in 2010 admitted that mistakes have been made in the past and has vowed to correct them. He is now trying to re-build the bridge of unity.
“If you cannot help him build the bridge, that’s fine. But don’t pull out the bricks from the bridge he is trying to construct,” he added.
Vell Paari also noted how Mahathir had wrote that no Asian would be able to stomach being called a bastard.
Similarly, he said, non-Malays here found it difficult to come to terms with being termed as immigrants (pendatang) and pariah by certain quarters like Perkasa.
“We, the non-Malays, feel hurt and disappointed when Mahathir graces Perkasa’s events, so what difference is there between the insensitivity shown by him and Hilary Clinton,” he added.
Vell Paari said Mahathir should use his wisdom and expertise to set the Malaysian house in order first before harping on the mess in the houses of others.
“There is a long list of wrongs which need fixing in Malaysia. Let’s focus on that,” he added.
RK Anand
Exactly true comments.
ReplyDeleteBantahan dibuat atas tayangan video pendek mengenai cerita Nabi Muhammad itu.
DeleteWhile everyone is demanding 'total democracy' in Malaysia, this is a clear example where freedom of expression has gone out of hand. As this article demonstrated, it is clear that the freedom of expression that has been taken by the western world has forgot to take in to account of sensitivity and a sense of tolerance.
ReplyDeleteBeing in a melting pot if diverse culture, We as Malaysian need to practice the sensitivity as well as tolerance amongst us in order to maintain peace and unity within our nation.
ReplyDeleteWe need to defend our peace in the country.
Deletekalau di Sabah, toleransi di kalangan rakyatnya memang kuat tapi ada pula anasir2 luar yang rosakkan perpaduan mereka.
Deletejgn biarkan ada pihak nk cemarkan perpaduan kita.
DeleteWas told a kingdom come story once. About a couple. The punishment for misbehaving while still on earth was a basic transportation in kingdom come. Let me just simply put it as definitely not a classy BMW.
ReplyDeleteSo the couple in the story both died. Not at the same time. But related deceased were able to 'spot' each other in the after world according to this creative story. Or kingdom comely if you will. The man knew where he was. He used to enjoy lots and lots of luxuries while still an earthling. But in kingdom come a bicycle was his due.
He didn't think he could stomach it if his earthling better half was accorded a BMW.
Whalla after lots of craning and ducking finally he spotted the wifey riding a trishaw. "oh... I wasn't told about a trishaw." He was puzzled. Telling his soul, "What could this possibly mean? It's either she rode a bicycle or I thought perhaps a BMW."
Perhaps they are busy in kingdom come now coming up with a different punishment schedule. Washing others bums is warranted in view of the current situation. And no transportation at all. Washing bums indefinitely.
Different culture and religion makes different types of individual, the movie doesn't represent the nation concepts, but human survive through own tinted glasses, this is human basic skills to do judgement and act accordingly. Because of the low-class movie, a few living human been killed cruelly, is that responsibility for both side to cease the problem? Of cause.
ReplyDeleteWe take whatever we think relevant in this era.
ReplyDeleteHe better totally retire
DeleteWhatever advised given by Dr M, need to be scanned before we use as a guideline.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I get to read Marina's (Mahathir's daughter) musings I can't help but wonder whether she is for real. She writes the opposite, perhaps almost, to her father. Perhaps they are a consummate practitioner of 'The Art of Deception' . They check and balance each other to give 'their facade'. Got everything covered. As a result a lot of people are caught unawares.
ReplyDeleteI also read that Mahathir was born in Bangladesh, giving Malaysia a bad name. Drawing comparison to Hitler who was born in Austria gave Gemany a bad name. Perhaps Mahathir is a fan of Hitler. Mahathir wrote a book denigrating the Malay just as Hitler did the Germans.
It depends on individual whether he/she wants to accept Tun M's remarks or not.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this is the price of Free Speech. If you don't like other's opinion, debate it or sue the person. That is real democracy.
If you don't nice things to say, don't say.
ReplyDeleteMahathir will always be Mahathir. He says what's on his mind.
ReplyDeleteI think better Mahathir stop making any statements
ReplyDelete